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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Aerial Surveys of Arctic Marine Mammals (ASAMM) collected by Marine Mammal Laboratory, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and other agencies in the Bering, Chukchi, Beaufort Seas, and Amundsen Gulf from 1979 to 2019 and North Slope Borough, Alaska from 2020 to 2021 (NCEI Accession 0039614)

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This dataset contains aerial survey data from the surveys described below. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), formerly the Minerals Management Service (MMS), and its precursor, the Bureau of Land Management, funded aerial surveys in the Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering seas from 1979 to 2019. In 2008, through an Interagency Agreement between MMS and the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]), the Marine Mammal Laboratory (MML, a division of AFSC), formerly the National Marine Mammal Laboratory, assumed co-management responsibilities for these surveys. Throughout the history of the surveys, they were referred to as the Bowhead Whale Aerial Survey Project (BWASP) and the Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) marine mammal aerial surveys, both of which are described in more detail below. The surveys were conducted under the auspices of a single study, Aerial Surveys of Arctic Marine Mammals (ASAMM). In 2020 and 2021, aerial line-transect surveys for bowhead whales and other marine mammals were funded and co-managed by the North Slope Borough (NSB) through contract 2021-069 with the Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies, a part of the University of Washington, with collaboration from AFSC, NOAA Fisheries. Consistent survey protocol has been in effect on surveys conducted since 1982.

WESTERN BEAUFORT SEA Aerial surveys in the western Beaufort Sea (south of 72 degrees N, 140-157 degrees W) have been conducted each year since 1979. MMS personnel and contractors conducted the surveys from 1979 to 2007. From 2008 to 2019, the surveys were conducted by MML. In 2020 and 2021, surveys were conducted by NSB. The primary goal of the project, also known as BWASP through 2010, ASAMM from 2011 to 2019, and NSB Autumn Aerial Surveys in 2020 and 2021, was to document bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) during their fall migration through the western Beaufort Sea, although data were also collected for all other marine mammals that were sighted during the surveys. The surveys were typically conducted during the months of September and October, when offshore drilling and geophysical exploration are feasible and when the fall subsistence hunt for bowhead whales takes place near Kaktovik, Cross Island (village of Nuiqsut), and Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska. Additional surveys were conducted in the Beaufort Sea during spring and summer 1979-1986, and during summer 2011 to 2019, and from approximately 15 September to 15 October 2020 to 2021.

EASTERN CHUKCHI SEA Aerial surveys in the eastern Chukchi Sea (68-73 degrees N, 157-169 degrees W) were conducted by MMS (now BOEM) contractors from 1982 to 1991. From 2008 to 2019, the surveys were conducted by MML. In 2020 and 2021, the surveys were conducted by NSB in collaboration with CICOES and MML and used a similar methodology to the surveys conducted in previous years. Starting in 2014, surveys were expanded south to 67 degrees N. The goal of the surveys, also known as the Chukchi Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA) through 2010, ASAMM from 2011 to 2019, and NSB surveys in 2020 and 2021, was to investigate the distribution and relative abundance of marine mammals in the Chukchi Sea Planning Area (CSPA) during the open water (i.e., ice-free) months of June to October, when various species are undertaking seasonal migrations through the area. However, from 1979 to 1984, surveys were also conducted during spring. In 2020 and 2021, NSB Autumn Aerial Surveys in the Chukchi Sea from approximately 15 September to 15 October, were prioritized only when weather conditions were not conducive to surveying the western Beaufort Sea.

NORTHERN BERING AND SOUTHERN CHUKCHI SEAS Aerial surveys in the northern Bering and southern Chukchi seas (63-68 degrees N, east of the International Date Line) were conducted by MMS (now BOEM) contractors from 1979 to 1985. The goal of these surveys was to investigate the distribution, abundance, migration timing, habitat relationships and behavior of endangered whales during the spring migration. Surveys were conducted from April to July.

EASTERN BEAUFORT SEA AND AMUNDSEN GULF Aerial surveys in the eastern Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulf (67-73 degrees N, 118-140 degrees W), were conducted by MML from 5 to 27 August 2019, in collaboration with BOEM, NSB, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Inuvialuit Game Council, and Fisheries Joint Management Committee. The goal of these surveys, known as the ASAMM Bowhead Abundance (ABA) project, was to collect aerial survey data specific to estimating the abundance of the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas bowhead whale population. The primary ABA study area in its entirety includes the Beaufort Sea shelf and Amundsen Gulf (118-158 degrees W).
  • Cite as: BOEM, Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region; NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center; North Slope Borough (2008). Aerial Surveys of Arctic Marine Mammals (ASAMM) collected by Marine Mammal Laboratory, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and other agencies in the Bering, Chukchi, Beaufort Seas, and Amundsen Gulf from 1979 to 2019 and North Slope Borough, Alaska from 2020 to 2021 (NCEI Accession 0039614). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.7289/v51v5bzm. Accessed [date].
gov.noaa.nodc:0039614
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Distribution Formats
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  • CSV
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  • Shapefile
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
+1-301-713-3277
NCEI.Info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Time Period 1979-04-21 to 2021-10-10
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -174.01
East: -115.0671
South: 57.73
North: 76.15
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2008-03-12
  • revision: 2022-05-31
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Complete - production of the data has been completed
Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency As needed
Supplemental Information
In this accession, NCEI has archived multiple versions of these data. The latest (and best) version of these data has the largest version number.
Purpose This dataset is available to the public for a wide variety of uses including scientific research and analysis.
Use Limitations
  • accessLevel: Public
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: BOEM, Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region; NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center; North Slope Borough (2008). Aerial Surveys of Arctic Marine Mammals (ASAMM) collected by Marine Mammal Laboratory, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and other agencies in the Bering, Chukchi, Beaufort Seas, and Amundsen Gulf from 1979 to 2019 and North Slope Borough, Alaska from 2020 to 2021 (NCEI Accession 0039614). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.7289/v51v5bzm. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors
Contributors
Resource Providers
Points of Contact
Publishers
Theme keywords NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS WMO_CategoryCode
  • oceanography
Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords Originator Keywords
  • Dall sheep
  • Dall's porpoise
  • abundance
  • aerial survey
  • arctic fox
  • bearded seal
  • beluga
  • bowhead whale
  • brown bear
  • caribou
  • distribution
  • fin whale
  • gray whale
  • gray wolf
  • habitat
  • harbor porpoise
  • humpback whale
  • kill site no bear
  • killer whale
  • line-transect survey
  • minke whale
  • musk ox
  • polar bear
  • ribbon seal
  • right whale
  • ringed seal
  • shark
  • spotted seal
  • walrus
Data Center keywords NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
Platform keywords NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS
Instrument keywords NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
Place keywords NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords Originator Place Names
  • Alaska
  • Amundsen Gulf
  • Arctic
  • Beaufort Sea
  • Bering Sea
  • Chukchi Sea
Project keywords NODC PROJECT NAMES THESAURUS Originator Project Keyword
  • ASAMM Bowhead Abundance (ABA)
  • Chukchi Sea Offshore Monitoring in Drilling Area (COMIDA)
  • North Slope Borough bowhead whale aerial surveys (NSB surveys)
Keywords NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER
Use Constraints
  • Cite as: BOEM, Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Region; NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Fisheries Science Center; North Slope Borough (2008). Aerial Surveys of Arctic Marine Mammals (ASAMM) collected by Marine Mammal Laboratory, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and other agencies in the Bering, Chukchi, Beaufort Seas, and Amundsen Gulf from 1979 to 2019 and North Slope Borough, Alaska from 2020 to 2021 (NCEI Accession 0039614). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.7289/v51v5bzm. Accessed [date].
Access Constraints
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps
  • 2008-03-12T10:55:56Z - NCEI Accession 0039614 v1.1 was published.
  • 2012-07-25T22:32:34Z - NCEI Accession 0039614 was revised and v2.2 was published.
    Rationale: Updates were received for this dataset. These updates were copied into the data/0-data/ directory of this accession. These updates may provide additional files or replace obsolete files. This version contains the most complete and up-to-date representation of this archival information package. All of the files received prior to this update are available in the preceding version of this accession.
  • 2014-03-17T11:11:55Z - NCEI Accession 0039614 was revised and v3.3 was published.
    Rationale: Updates were received for this dataset. These updates were copied into the data/0-data/ directory of this accession. These updates may provide additional files or replace obsolete files. This version contains the most complete and up-to-date representation of this archival information package. All of the files received prior to this update are available in the preceding version of this accession.
  • 2015-05-06T11:34:55Z - NCEI Accession 0039614 was revised and v4.4 was published.
    Rationale: Updates were received for this dataset. These updates were copied into the data/0-data/ directory of this accession. These updates may provide additional files or replace obsolete files. This version contains the most complete and up-to-date representation of this archival information package. All of the files received prior to this update are available in the preceding version of this accession.
  • 2016-04-07T19:08:59Z - NCEI Accession 0039614 was revised and v5.5 was published.
    Rationale: Updates were received for this dataset. These updates were copied into the data/0-data/ directory of this accession. These updates may provide additional files or replace obsolete files. This version contains the most complete and up-to-date representation of this archival information package. All of the files received prior to this update are available in the preceding version of this accession.
  • 2017-03-28T17:06:10Z - NCEI Accession 0039614 was revised and v6.6 was published.
    Rationale: Updates were received for this dataset. These updates were copied into the data/0-data/ directory of this accession. These updates may provide additional files or replace obsolete files. This version contains the most complete and up-to-date representation of this archival information package. All of the files received prior to this update are available in the preceding version of this accession.
  • 2018-11-28T13:25:53Z - NCEI Accession 0039614 was revised and v7.7 was published.
    Rationale: Updates were received for this dataset. These updates were copied into the data/0-data/ directory of this accession. These updates may provide additional files or replace obsolete files. This version contains the most complete and up-to-date representation of this archival information package. All of the files received prior to this update are available in the preceding version of this accession.
  • 2019-04-08T16:27:54Z - NCEI Accession 0039614 was revised and v8.8 was published.
    Rationale: Updates were received for this dataset. These updates were copied into the data/0-data/ directory of this accession. These updates may provide additional files or replace obsolete files. This version contains the most complete and up-to-date representation of this archival information package. All of the files received prior to this update are available in the preceding version of this accession.
  • 2020-12-24T11:36:13Z - NCEI Accession 0039614 was revised and v9.9 was published.
    Rationale: Updates were received for this dataset. These updates were copied into the data/0-data/ directory of this accession. These updates may provide additional files or replace obsolete files. This version contains the most complete and up-to-date representation of this archival information package. All of the files received prior to this update are available in the preceding version of this accession.
  • 2021-09-03T17:12:00Z - NCEI Accession 0039614 was revised and v10.10 was published.
    Rationale: Updates were received for this dataset. These updates were copied into the data/0-data/ directory of this accession. These updates may provide additional files or replace obsolete files. This version contains the most complete and up-to-date representation of this archival information package. All of the files received prior to this update are available in the preceding version of this accession.
  • 2022-05-31T19:06:35Z - NCEI Accession 0039614 was revised and v11.11 was published.
    Rationale: Updates were received for this dataset. These updates were copied into the data/0-data/ directory of this accession. These updates may provide additional files or replace obsolete files. This version contains the most complete and up-to-date representation of this archival information package. All of the files received prior to this update are available in the preceding version of this accession.
Output Datasets
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument
  • GPS
  • inclinometer
  • line transect sampling
  • visual observation
Platform
  • AIRCRAFT
Last Modified: 2024-03-08T13:12:32Z
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